Behavioral Health Technician-Duke Regional Hospital Emergency Department-Nights

Work Arrangement: 
Requisition Number:  274212
Regular or Temporary:  Regular
Location: 

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area:  DUKE REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Date:  Sep 11, 2026

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

 

About Duke Regional Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. With 388 beds it is the second largest of Duke Health's four hospitals and offers a comprehensive range ofmedical, surgical, and diagnostic services, including orthopedics, weight-loss surgery, women's services, and heart and vascular services.

Behavioral Health Technician-Duke Regional Hospital Emergency Department BHED
$2500 Commitment Bonus paid in 2 equal installments
 
3-12 hour shifts per week 
7:00pm-7:30am 
 
Behavioral Health Technician
The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) provides direct patient care and support to individuals receiving behavioral health, substance abuse, mental health, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disability services. Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the BHT monitors patient progress, assists with activities of daily living, promotes a safe therapeutic environment, and supports patient treatment plans through one-on-one and group interactions. This role is responsible for ensuring patient safety, participating in crisis intervention when necessary, and contributing to the overall well-being of patients through compassionate, patient-centered care.
Key Responsibilities
  • Observe patients, monitor behavior and condition, and report significant changes to the supervising RN.
  • Provide one-on-one and group support, recreational activities, and reinforcement of patient education.
  • Assist patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, hygiene, dressing, feeding, mobility, and transfers.
  • Support patient safety through observation, de-escalation techniques, and participation in seclusion, restraint, or crisis interventions as needed.
  • Participate in treatment planning and patient care discussions with the interdisciplinary team.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized patient care environment.
  • Adhere to infection prevention, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Obtain vital signs, collect specimens, monitor intake and output, and perform delegated clinical tasks as authorized.
  • Assist with recreational and therapeutic activities that support patient recovery and treatment goals.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • High school diploma or GED required.
Experience
  • One year of experience working with patients who have mental health, substance abuse, dementia, intellectual, or developmental disabilities preferred.
Licensure/Certification Must meet one of the following:
  • Listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry; or
  • Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina; or
  • Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in North Carolina; or
  • Certified Behavioral Health Technician through The Academy of Addiction Professionals or the American Medical Certification Association.
Individuals who do not meet one of the above requirements upon hire must begin the certification process within one year of employment and complete it within two years.
Additional requirements:
  • BLS certification can be done at  the completion of new hire orientation.
  • CPI certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Understanding of behavioral health care principles, patient safety, infection prevention, and therapeutic interventions.
  • Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful or crisis situations.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold patient rights.
  • Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and seek appropriate assistance.
  • Strong observational, documentation, and organizational skills.

 



Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.



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Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh